Goals from Jon Gallagher and Owen Wolff led Austin FC to a 2-1 away win over Real Salt Lake on Saturday night at America First Field. Wolff’s goal was the first of his MLS career, and at 18 years and 72 days old, he becomes the youngest player in the league to score thus far this season.
Gallagher opened the scoring for the Verde & Black with less than nine minutes on the clock. Cutting inside from the right flank, he hit a terrific strike from 25 yards which rocketed off the underside of the crossbar and in. The goal made Gallagher one of only two defenders in MLS to record three goal contributions through the opening three weeks of the 2023 season.
Real Salt Lake responded with a goal of its own in the 22nd minute by Justen Glad. Alex Ring then made a fantastic block to prevent the hosts from going ahead, and Austin went on to reclaim the lead in the 33rd minute. After assisting Gallagher for the opener, Wolff scored his first-ever MLS goal, firing an accurate low strike into the bottom corner from outside the penalty area.
The home side pressed forward in search of another equalizer in the second half. Austin had a few opportunities to find a third goal on the counter, but ultimately would not need one as the team’s defense held firm and saw out the victory.
Goal-Scoring Summary
ATX (0-1) – Jon Gallagher (assisted by Owen Wolff) 9’
RSL (1-1) – Justen Glad (assisted by Damir Kreilach, Andrew Brody) 22’
ATX (1-2) – Owen Wolff (assisted by Dani Pereira) 33’
Next Match
Austin FC will host Violette AC of Haiti at Q2 Stadium in the second leg of a Concacaf Champions League Round of 16 tie on Tuesday, March 14 at 7:00 p.m. CT. The match will feature a live national broadcast in English on Fox Sports 2 and in Spanish on TUDN.
